El PASO, TX (September 14, 2024) — La Nube, El Paso’s premier hub for STEAM discovery, is excited to announce the appointment of Gina Martinez as its new Chief Executive Officer. Martinez’s leadership ushers in an exciting new era for the organization, as she takes the helm to broaden La Nube’s mission of inspiring creativity, innovation, and curiosity among children and families in the region.

“Gina brings a wealth of experience to La Nube. Her impressive twenty-year journey as an executive leader showcases her skills in relationship cultivation, operational management, and a genuine passion for championing inclusivity” said Josh Hunt, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her commitment to education and community aligns perfectly with La Nube’s mission, and we are excited to see her build on the incredible foundation that’s already been laid.”

“I am incredibly excited to join the talented team behind this innovative and transformative resource for our city. La Nube is a shining example of creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth. It truly represents the best of us and is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together,” said Gina Martinez. “I look forward to bringing my passion for education, exceptional customer experience, and deep love for our beautiful bicultural community to further elevate the museum’s impact in shaping the minds and futures of generations to come.”

A Visionary Leader with Proven Expertise

Martinez, who grew up in El Paso and graduated from Coronado High School, brings with her over two decades of leadership experience. She co-founded the award-winning Neon Desert Music Festival and served as a Special Education Lead Teacher for nearly ten years in Austin ISD. In her most recent role as Regional Director, CHILDREN AT RISK, she successfully championed advocacy efforts for policy reform, spearheaded high-profile media campaigns, and exceeded fundraising goals to support underserved children and families in the region.

Martinez’s commitment to La Nube’s core values of inclusivity and accessibility underscores her strength as the ideal leader for the organization. “La Nube’s mission to make STEAM experiences accessible to all deeply resonates with my own values,” Martinez added. “I am excited to work with area school districts, community partners, educational advocates, and passionate donors to develop 21st-century programming and experiences that engage the K-12 community and inspire guests of all ages to discover the joy of learning through creativity and innovation.”

Transitioning Leadership and Continuity of Vision

Martinez succeeds Interim CEO Stephanie Otero, who has been instrumental in bringing La Nube from concept to reality, playing a central role in its development from the very beginning. Serving as both the Interim CEO of La Nube and the Vice President of Operations for the El Paso Community Foundation, Otero was one of the project’s earliest leaders. Her vision and commitment were key to ensuring that La Nube was built by the community, for the community. Her unwavering focus on community collaboration has shaped La Nube into a transformative space that transcends culture, language, age, and ability, ensuring it will serve as a vibrant educational resource for generations to come.

Otero will continue her involvement with La Nube, overseeing the final phases of construction and ensuring a smooth leadership transition. “It’s been a dream come true to be a part of this project and an honor to work alongside our community and the amazing La Nube team,” said Stephanie Otero, Vice President of Operations for the EL Paso Community Foundation and Interim CEO for La Nube. “Gina is a wonderful addition, and I look forward to seeing the new heights La Nube will reach under her leadership.”

Click here to read Gina’s biography

For more information or to schedule interviews with Gina Martinez, please contact: Mick Martinez, Director of Marketing & Communications at (915) 278-1067 or email mmartinez@la-nube.org

About La Nube

Located in the vibrant heart of Downtown El Paso, Texas, La Nube is a unique hybrid institution that merges the educational aspects of a science center with the playful experiences of a children’s museum. La Nube’s mission is to ignite imagination and inspire guests to discover, create, and innovate through STEAM-based exhibits. As El Paso’s premier destination for transformative learning, La Nube champions creativity, inclusion, and biculturalism, providing welcoming learning environments for children and families from all backgrounds. La Nube is a public-private partnership of the El Paso Community Foundation, the City of El Paso, and other community leaders.